It might not sound like much, but it’s a positive sign that a community-run organization is growing into an important tool for law enforcement in Oshkosh and Winnebago County, authorities said.

“I think it’s important any time we solve a crime with help from someone in the community,” said Sgt. Steve Sagmeister of the Oshkosh Police Department. “It shows a sense of trust on their part, and we’re able to show that we do take things seriously when they call.”

Winnebago Countywide Crimestoppers has received 12 anonymous tips so far this year, three of which led to crimes being solved. Several are still being investigated. The numbers show an increase in use. The Crimestoppers line received 25 calls last year.

The Crimestoppers organization allows residents to call a toll-free number or visit a Web site to offer anonymous tips to help police solve crimes. Those who offer tips are given an identification number. If a crime is solved based on their tip, they may qualify for cash rewards up to $1,000.

While the organization is closely associated with police, it isn’t a police organization. Crimestoppers is an organization run by a board of community members. While police decide which crimes to offer for Crimestoppers notification, it’s the board that determines award money given out for solved crimes.

Steve Herman, crime prevention officer for the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, said having a successful Crimestoppers program means having a safer community. Both police and the Crimestoppers board have taken efforts this year to make the program more effective.

Those efforts include the Web site that also allows people to report and view information on local crimes. Herman said the Crimestoppers program is a realization that the community plays a key role in public safety.

“We haven’t had a lot of success with Crimestoppers, and that’s because we haven’t been getting the word out,” Herman said. “We’re working on that because we do need more eyes and ears out on the street.”